The lights go down and the curtain goes up as the the Flea by Night Band launches into a toe-tapping rendition of Fats Waller’s “Yacht Club Swing.” Everyone in the audience is moving and grooving and saying “Wow!” But you’re not there!

Don’t worry. We still have tickets available. But, this could be your last chance to purchase one of the coveted VIP tickets to the hottest show on the entire ukulele circuit: “Radio WCUF: Live from the Napa Valley Opera House,” Friday, September 7, with a whole cast of characters that will tickle your funny bone and have you wanting to leap out of your seat and start dancing in the aisles!

In just two days the VIP tickets will be released to folks in the general wine tasting public, who have been clamoring to get their hands on them so they attend the pre-show reception at Back Room Wines and sip on wines by Guilliams Family Vineyards and 94574; nibble on tasty treats by Redwood Hill Farms, Gary & Kit’s, Coonrad’s, and From Napa; fondle the fabulous ukuleles of Mya-Moe–all the while listening to the silky tones (up close and personal) of Sarah Maisel and her ‘ukulele. There are only a limited number of VIP tickets left and once they’re gone………Oh well.

“The Mighty Uke” (and James Hill) are coming to a town near you! Click on the picture below to see the trailer for the film. The schedule of showings and concerts follows.

According to James: “I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say that the release of this film is a defining event in ukulele history. The documentary offers a birds-eye view of the worldwide ukulele scene; it’s funny, sad, amazing, quirky, surprising, entertaining. .. a celebration of all things uke and a perfect way to introduce your friends and family to the wild world of ukulele.”

More from James: “The Mighty Uke Roadshow is a tour like no other. The Roadshow turns each screening of the film into an event: a movie, a concert and a ukulele jam. Who could ask for anything more?”

But wait! There’s More!

Yes, it’s true. You, too, can eat like a real ‘ukulele player, thanks to Australian strummer Rose Turtle Ertler who has compiled the definitive guide to eating like an ‘ukulele player. The 60-pageWhat Do Ukulele Players Eat? includes favourite recipes from James Hill (Mushroom Almond Pate), Janet Klein (Garden Greenery Pasta), Ralph Shaw (Eggplant a la Veggie), Li’l Rev (Millet and Cabbag Combine) and many others. (I can’t believe Lil Rev didn’t include a recipe for One Meatball!) And it’s just $10 plus postage and handling. Such a deal.

The Petalukes have spawned a new ‘ukulele group in the area: the Healdsburg Jam. Their next meeting is Friday, Feburary 12 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Healdsburg Senior Center, 133 Matheson Street. Looks like they’re growing by leaps and bounds and will be meeting on the second and fourth Friday of every month. For more information on how to get in on the action, visit the Petalukes site and sign up.

If you don’t want to travel that far, you can catch Jake at the Napa Valley Opera House, Friday March 19. And James will be performing at Sonoma Academy, in Santa Rosa, the week of March 22. We’ll get you the date for that as soon as possible.

And don’t forget our own next gathering, Sunday February 28 at Lois’ home in Napa. You’ll have to RSVP to me get the address.

Thinking ahead: We’re actively looking for sponsors and volunteers for the 2010 Wine Country ‘Ukulele Festival. Our biggest need right now is for individuals or organizations who’d like to “adopt” one (or more) of our visiting musicians. Let me know if you’d like to help!